The New England Patriots are back to using wide receiver Wes Welker full throttle in their prolific passing offense, and Welker was the first to remind coach Bill Belichick just how good of an idea that's been.

Welker, in an interview with Comcast Sports New England following his 13-catch, 104-yard, touchdown effort in Sunday's 31-21 home win over the Denver Broncos, ribbed Belichick for limiting his offensive snaps earlier in the season.

"Yeah it's kind of nice to stick it in Bill's face once in a while," Welker said. "So this is definitely a good one."

In Week 1's victory over the Tennessee Titans, Welker saw limited action and produced only three catches for 14 yards. In Week 2, he turned in a solid five catches for 95 yards, but as tight end Aaron Hernandez (ankle) has missed the past three games, the Patriots have gone back to making Welker Tom Brady's primary target out of the slot.

Over the past three games, Welker has racked up 30 receptions for 377 yards, also helped by fellow slot option Julian Edelman (hand) joining Hernandez on the shelf. Although Welker was good–natured in joking with Belichick, it has to be frustrating that despite his continued importance to their passing game, that it might not be enough to keep him with the Patriots beyond 2012.

Welker is playing this season under the $9.5 million franchise tag, but he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2013. The Patriots will have cheaper options in other free agents, namely Edelman and injured St. Louis Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola—a fellow Texas Tech product likened to Welker.

Welker, 31, is showing no signs of slowing down. He's had five great seasons for the Patriots, and is working on another. If he keeps playing at a high level in big games, just maybe Belichick and New England will keep an open mind, but it still comes down to how much they're willing to open their wallets.